Louis vuitton transforms the frick into a runway spectacle
The Gilded Age grandeur of The Frick Collection served as an unexpected, yet undeniably chic, backdrop for Louis Vuitton’s Cruise 2027 show on Wednesday night. Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, and Cate Blanchett were among the A-list attendees who witnessed Nicolas Ghesquière’s latest collection unfold within the museum’s meticulously restored halls, marking a significant moment for both the fashion house and the venerable institution.
A bespoke experience within historic walls
The show wasn't merely a fashion presentation; it was a carefully orchestrated immersion. Marie-Anne Derville, Louis Vuitton’s seating designer, created custom furniture pieces specifically tailored to each gallery. Deep green benches echoed the West Gallery’s wall coverings, while dark gray seating mirrored the Reception Hall’s carpeting – a subtle nod to the Frick’s existing aesthetic. The Oval and East Galleries received a jolt of modernity with gunmetal and aluminum chairs, their cushions adding a touch of unexpected industrial flair. Even the Garden Court benefited from this bespoke treatment, featuring marble-like wooden benches inspired by the museum’s stone seating, all complemented by a sweeping white floral installation.
But the visual spectacle wasn't limited to the furniture. The soundscape, curated by Peaches, Tepr, and composer Daniel Pemberton, pulsed with an energy that both complemented and contrasted with the Frick’s classical setting. Ghesquière, known for his penchant for choosing locations with architectural significance – past shows have graced the TWA Flight Center at JFK, the Miho Museum near Kyoto, and the Palais des Papes in Avignon – clearly saw the Frick as more than just a venue; it was a partner in a conversation between art, history, and fashion.
Beyond the runway: a three-year partnership
The collaboration extends far beyond a single show. Louis Vuitton has committed to a three-year partnership with The Frick, a move that signals a significant investment in the museum’s future. Beyond the Cruise 2027 show, the fashion house will sponsor the Frick’s popular “First Fridays” program, offering free admission on the first Friday of each month through May 2027. Furthermore, Louis Vuitton will back three major upcoming exhibitions and fund a new curatorial research position dedicated to exploring artistic exchange between Europe and China in the eighteenth century. As Ghesquière stated, “we enter into conversation with a place where art, history, and beauty have long been preserved and celebrated.”
The Frick Collection, home to masterpieces by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Velázquez, has long been a cornerstone of New York City’s cultural landscape. This partnership with Louis Vuitton not only provides crucial financial support but also introduces the museum to a new generation of art enthusiasts, proving that even the most hallowed institutions can benefit from a touch of contemporary flair. The show’s success, measured not just in the flash of cameras but in the palpable buzz of excitement, suggests a fruitful and stylish future for both entities.